adjectiveEtymology: from homeosis, homoeosis a shift in structural development, from Greek homoiōsis assimilation, resemblance, from homoioun to make like, from homoiosDate: 1894
relating to, caused by, or being a gene producing a usually major shift in the developmental fate of an organ or body part

Homeotic gene — Homeotic genes specify the anterior posterior axis and segment identity during early development of metazoan organisms. They are critical for the proper placement and number of embryonic segment structures (such as legs, antennae and eyes).The… … Wikipedia

homeotic gene — n a gene that produces a usu. major shift in the developmental fate of an organ or body part esp. to a homologous organ or part normally found elsewhere in the organism … Medical dictionary

homeotic gene — Gene, containing homeobox, the level of expression of which is set during embryogenesis in response to positional cues, and which then directs the later formation of tissues and appendages appropriate to that part of the organism. Mutation of… … Dictionary of molecular biology

homeotic mutant — (= homoeotic mutant) A mutant in which one body part, organ or tissue, is transformed into another part normally associated with another segment. Examples are the antennapedia and bithorax complex mutants of Drosophila … Dictionary of molecular biology

homeotic genes — a family of genes, first observed in Drosophila, that orchestrate the development of individual embryonic segments into specific body parts; they occur in one or more clusters, are expressed in specific patterns at particular stages in… … Medical dictionary